Bike Policies for Travelers

Bike Policies for Travelers

Going on a trip? Well, you are definitely going to need your bike. This page will help you see all of the ways that League members can get there and riding at the lowest possible cost.

This page last updated May 2011

Airline Bicycle Policies

American Airlines

Each customer is allowed one non-motorized touring or racing bike. Handlebars must be fixed sideways and pedals removed or pedals and handlebars must be enclosed in plastic foam or similar material. Bike must be in a hard-sided case built for bike transport or a bike bag or box. Bikes not in a hard-sided case are considered fragile. There is a $150 charge, regardless of the number of checked bags. The maximum weight is 70lbs, and maximum size is 126 in. Exception: If bicycle and container are less than 62 dimensional inches and under 50 lbs., the bike is charged the applicable baggage charge for the 1st checked bag.

Acceptance conditional on aircraft size and load conditions

Continental Airlines

Continental Airlines accepts a non-motorized bicycle with single seat or up to two non-motorized bicycles packed in one case as checked baggage. Handlebars must be fixed sideways and pedals removed, and all loose items must be enclosed in plastic foam or similar protective material. The bicycle should be transported in a sealed box. Continental is not liable for damage to bicycles that do not have the handlebars fixed sideways and pedals removed, handlebars and pedals encased in plastic foam or similar material or bicycles not contained in a cardboard containers or hard-sided cases.

The following are bicycle restrictions:

If the bicycle(s) are packed in a container that is over 50 lbs (23kg) and/or 62 (157 cm) total linear inches (L + W + H), a $100 service charge applies each way for domestic travel, and $200 each way for international travel. The service charge is in addition to any excess baggage charges that may apply, but first and second baggage service fees do not apply. Bicycle equipment over 70lbs (32 kg) will not be accepted as checked baggage.

If the bicycle(s) are packed in a container that is under 50 lbs (23kg) and 62 (157 cm) total linear inches (L + W + H), there is no bicycle service charge, but, if applicable, the first or second bag fee applies.

Note: Bicycles will not be accepted during an excess baggage embargo when no excess baggage is allowed.

Delta Airlines

Non-motorized touring or racing bicycles with single seats are accepted as checked baggage on most flights with the exception of some Delta Connection® carriers and aircraft that may not accept bicycles as checked baggage, and may have different limits due to cargo constraints. Your bike must be packaged in a cardboard or canvas container with the handlebars fixed sideways and pedals removed, and encased in plastic, Styrofoam, or other similar material.  The fee is $200.

Frontier

Non-motorized touring or racing bicycles with single seats are permitted. Bicycles must have the handlebars fixed sideways and the pedals removed and encased in a protective, durable case or box. Pedals do not need to be removed if wrapped in plastic foam or similar material. Items which exceed 99.9 lbs or 109 linear inches will not be accepted. Allow an extra 30 minutes for check-in. Excess and overweight charges apply if applicable, but there is no additional bicycle fee. Oversize charges do not apply.

JetBlue

Bicycles will be accepted in a hard-sided, padded case designed for bicycles. If not in a hard-sided case, bikes will be accepted with the handle bars secured sideways and pedals removed. The bicycle must also be encased in plastic foam, a cardboard box, or similar material to prevent damage. Please note: overweight baggage fees will not be assessed for bicycles. However, the maximum allotment of 99 lbs per bag still applies.

Domestic Flights: Bicycles are accepted on domestic flights for a fee of $50 per bike each way and will count as one of your checked bags. If bicycle and container are less than 62 dimensional inches and under 50 lbs., the bike fee will not be assessed.

International Flights: Bicycles are accepted on international flights for a fee of $80 each way per bike on a space-available basis, and will count as one of your checked bags. If bicycle and container are less than 62 dimensional inches and under 50 lbs., the bike fee will not be assessed.
Also note:  Bicycles are accepted to all destinations EXCEPT to/from the Dominican Republic.

Southwest Airlines

Non-motorized bicycles, including Bike Friday and Co-Pilot, will be accepted in substitution of a free piece of checked baggage at no additional charge provided the bicycle is properly packaged and the box containing the bicycle fits within the 62-inch sizing limit and weighs 50 pounds or less. (Maximum weight is 50 pounds and maximum size is 62 inches (length + width + height per checked piece of luggage.) The handlebars, kickstand, and pedals must be removed and placed inside the box. A $50.00 each-way charge applies to bicycles that don't meet the above criteria. Bicycles packaged in a cardboard box or soft-sided case will be transported as a conditionally accepted item.

United Airlines

Allowance/requirements: Any non-motorized bicycle must be prepared for travel by the customer. United cannot provide tools. Handlebars must be turned sideways, and protruding pedals and accessories must be removed. The bicycle must be contained in a durable, protective case, bag or box.

The maximum weight is 50 pounds (23 kg). Click here for a pricing table. Allow an extra 30 minutes at check-in, and if your itinerary includes a United Express flight, please contact United for information regarding aircraft cargo hold limits.

US Airways

Bicycles will be accepted as checked baggage for a charge of $200 per direction, if over 62 in/157 cm in total dimensions (total dimensions are length + width + height). If the bicycle is under 62 in/157 cm in total dimensions, it will count as a first or second checked bag. One item of bicycle equipment is defined as 1 non-motorized touring or racing bicycle with a single seat.

Bicycles should be prepared for transportation by the passenger. Bicycle must be placed in a card board or hard cased bike container. Bicycles not enclosed will still be accepted, however, if the handlebars must be fixed sideways and pedals removed, or bicycle handlebars and pedals must be encased in plastic or foam or similar material for transport. A release form will also need to be signed by the passenger.

Rail

Amtrak

Amtrak has a number of ways to transport your bicycle; too many to sum up on this page! Click here for information on bringing your bicycle onboard.

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